New research shows effects of nitrates on Iowa’s most vulnerable

AMES — New research at Iowa State University shows elevated nitrate levels have an outsize effect on the state’s most vulnerable populations. Studies show exposure to nitrates can increase the risks of birth defects and various types of cancer.

ISU Water Resources Assistant Professor Liu Lu says nitrates, which are prominent in ground and surface water near commercial agriculture operations, exceed safe levels, and affect Iowa’s most vulnerable.  “Such as people of color,” said Lu, “low-income populations, elderly, and also children.”

Despite their negative health impacts, the Iowa Environmental Council reports only 4% of public water utilities in Iowa have nitrate removal systems. The data show the presence of nitrates in the water is especially high in rural communities, and Liu says northeast Iowa’s Blackhawk County stands out in her research.  “This county has very high nitrate in their treated water,” said Lu. “They also have very high social vulnerability. So, people living in that county are disproportionately exposed to high nitrate in their drinking water.”

Her research includes an interactive map that shows which parts of the state have the highest nitrate pollution in their groundwater.

Liu’s work was published in Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology.